The CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, the FDA, and the USDA-FSIS are collecting data to investigate a multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections. Epidemiologic data show that Quarter Pounder hamburgers served at McDonald's are contaminated with E. coli, making people sick. Early information from the FDA indicates onions may be a source of this outbreak. Investigators from all agencies are working quickly to determine the contaminated ingredient. As of October 24, 75 people infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 have been reported from 13 states. Illnesses started from September 27, 2024, to October 10, 2024. Of 61 people with information available, 22 have been hospitalized, and 2 people developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that can cause kidney failure. One death has been reported from an older adult in Colorado. This person is not one of those who developed HUS. Of the 42 people interviewed, all 42 (100%) reported eating at McDonald's, and 39 reported eating a beef hamburger. Of 36 people who remember the beef hamburger they ate at McDonald's, 31 (86%) reported eating a Quarter Pounder hamburger. Some people in this outbreak reported traveling to other states before their illness started. At least three people ate at McDonald's during their travel. Information reviewed by the FDA shows that slivered onions served on Quarter Pounders are a likely source of contamination. Taylor Farms, the supplier of slivered onions for affected McDonald's locations, initiated a recall of yellow onions. FSIS is conducting a traceback of hamburger patties served at McDonald's to determine if ground beef is a source of illness. McDonalds has stopped using fresh slivered onions and quarter pound beef patties in several states to protect their customers while a source of illness is confirmed. Quarter Pounders will not be available for sale temporarily in some states. @ https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/outbreaks/investigation-update-e-coli-o157-2024.html
